The event paired small businesses throughout the state with big-name retailers such as Meijer and Kroger to facilitate potential business transactions.

The morning conference had more than 200 participants, and the trade show had more than 160 booths.

“We really wanted to find a way to put the products in front of buyers to give them retail opportunities,” said Matt Birbeck, a project manager at the center.

Birbeck said the benefits of start-up companies participating in an event like this include the amount of exposure they can receive.

“It is a one-stop shop for all the buyers to come to,” he said. “The retailers) want to come to a place where people are ready to do business.”

Birbeck said the number of start-up companies revolving around Michigan’s agriculture who came to the workshop demonstrated the diversity of small business in the state and said he was pleased with the turnout.

“(Our state) has always been about the big commodities, like apples, when really what we’re about is hundreds of little small businesses that are making use of the resources we have in this state,” he said.

The primary goal of the event was for sellers to meet up with buyers, said Brenda Reau, associate director of the MSU Product Center.

“We have a variety of buyers representing about 30 different entities, and those folks are here to make a connection to take Michigan products back and put them on the shelves of their store,” she said.

Shannon Byrne is the owner of Slow Jams, a jam-making company based in Grosse Pointe, Mich. She said the event has increased her company’s exposure and gives her networking opportunities among other entrepreneurs.

“It’s great to learn what other people are doing and see our friends in the business,” she said. “We know where their successes are and where their challenges are.”